Christmas time. It is a wonderful, magical, spiritual season.

We are encouraged to find ways to help brighten and lighten other people's lives in the gifts we give and the deeds we do.A couple of weeks ago I told you a few amazing stories of how Operation Christmas Child affects lives and the mysterious way God has of answering prayers.I've got another one for you this week that is closer to home. Be sure to have a tissue or two nearby. It leaves no doubt in my mind that little miracles happen all the time.I'll call this story "The Christmas Shoes."My friend Renee Keiper of Kunkletown is an administrative assistant at East Stroudsburg University's Student Activity Association.ESU is involved with a program called "Shoes That Fit," which started out providing shoes for children that needed them. It has evolved to include boots, coats and sneakers.The children who benefit from the program are all from East Stroudsburg School District.The Residence Life Department, in charge of housing on campus, puts cards up on a bulletin board with the child's name, age and article of clothing needed with sizes. Renee selected two cards for two little boys who needed all of the above-mentioned items.Renee and her niece and great-niece, Cheryl and Katelyn Heffelfinger, went shopping for her two boys.One of the boys was Shane, a first-grader, and he needed size 2 boots and size 1 shoes."We found the cutest little pair of black loafers for Shane," Renee said.Here's where God intervenes and a small miracle occurs.Renee was on vacation last week, but she decided to run up to the Residence Life office on Nov. 24 to drop off her purchases."I really had no reason to drive up to the university that Monday. My office was holding a Turkey Bowl that day, but I had already told them I wouldn't be participating. The gifts weren't due until right after the Thanksgiving break. I could have dropped the gifts off this Monday when I returned to work. But God told me to deliver the gifts and join in the fun in the Turkey Bowl. So that's what I did."Last Tuesday, Shane arrived at school with shoes that were falling apart. They were so bad, his teacher took him to the nurse's office to see if anything could possibly be done.The school called Residence Life, asking if anyone had taken Shane's card. The Residence Life secretary was very thrilled to tell them that indeed someone had picked Shane's card and his boots and shoes were in the office. She immediately took the gifts to the J.T. Lambert Elementary School and gave Shane his shoes."I am soooo glad that I made my delivery when I did so Shane could get his Christmas gift early and he had the snow boots for Wednesday's snowstorm! I learned that I should not second-guess the messages I get from God because I made a little boy happy," Renee said.Shane was so excited he drew about 10 different pictures to thank Renee."And he wishes he could buy me the 'bestest Christmas present ever!'" said Renee, who was deeply touched by his gratitude."I have this philosophy. We need to be strong (by "we" I mean the United States) so we can help others in the world. I feel the same way about our Sunday school class, the CIA (Christians In Action.) If we raise funds for the CIA, we become stronger and we can help others. It's the same way with our bodies. If we take care of ourselves we can help others and spread the word of God. So, if the U.S., the CIA, and Renee work at taking care of ourselves FIRST, then we will have the power, strength and resources to reach out and help others."Renee told her story to our CIA class on Sunday. Everyone was so moved by the story that the CIA told Renee to take any remaining cards off the board and get what is needed."I will be shopping for three little girls, thanks to St. Matthew's CIA," Renee said.May we always be listening so we can hear God calling us.The Christmas ShoesA King arrived by lowly birth,To free us from sin here on earth.Jesus is the truth and the light,To follow through life's journey, dark and bright.So when God's children have a need,May we be listening and pay heed.A little boy's shoes threadbare with a tear,Are all he had this winter to wear.But God finds ways to answer prayer,Through those who hear and those who care.Now new shoes are upon his feet,Thanks to a small miracle so sweet.It's stories like The Christmas Shoes,That help us spread the Lord's good news.